Proper drainage is critical for proper cultivation and development. Tips for planting & caring for “Phoenix roebelenii”, GardenBeast is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, Sago Palm Guide: How to Grow & Care for “Cycas Revoluta”, Chinese Fan Palm Guide: How to grow and care for ”Livistona chinensis”, Parlor Palm Guide: How to Grow & Care for “Chamaedorea Elegans”, Sedum Spurium Guide: How to Grow & Care for “Red Carpet” Succulents, Best Automatic Chicken Coop Door Reviews: Complete Buyer’s Guide, Best Indoor Plant Stand Reviews: Complete Buyer’s Guide, Sambucus Nigra Guide: How to Grow & Care for “Black Lace”. Watering your Phoenix roebelenii is much simpler than most houseplants. The pygmy date palm (Phoenix roebelenii) is small in size—a mature pygmy palm can reach a height of 8 to 10 feet. Watering and adding fertilizer for pygmy date palm trees You can also carry the whole pot outdoors during spring or summer showers for a natural bath. Not just the seeds and bark, but the entire palm is toxic. The Dwarf Date Palm (Phoenix roebelenii) grows naturally in southwestern China, Laos and Vietnam, as a lower tree under jungle giants. The palms are hardy in USDA zones 10-11. Pygmy Date Palm, Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya, Kandy, Sri Lanka. Pygmy date palms are an attractive slow-growing plant that thrives in warm climates. Source(s): fruit pygmy date palm edible: https://tr.im/ofe55. As a native of South Asia, the Pygmy Date Palm Tree loves tropical or humid climates such as those found in Florida and other Southern states. Kooc Media Ltd Favorite Answer. The root system of this plant is very sensitive to changes. Fruits are elliptical, 1/2 inch long and turn red-brown to dark purple when ripe. The Phoenix roebelenii is a slow-growing tropical plant. The Pygmy Date Palm has a botanical name of Phoenix roebelenii. Once the Pygmy Date Palm Tree has reached maturity you will no longer be able to change pots. Phoenix roebelenii, Pygmy Date Palm, From Amazon. For indoor plants, keep them out of the direct line of airflow that comes from vents, fans, and doors. It needs a humid environment and plenty of space to mature. Like most houseplants, you will need to keep an eye out for scale bugs and aphids. The Arizona sun burns the edges and turns the palm yellow. Hollie has written for a number of publications and is now the resident garden blogger here at GardenBeast. Avoid using tap water on palm trees because the chemicals in the water are poisonous to Phoenix roebelenii and all other palm plants. The Phoenix roebelenii is a tropical plant and love light as a result. Phoenix roebelenii, with common names of pygmy date palm, miniature date palm or just robellini, is a species of date palm native to southeastern Asia, from southwestern China ( Yunnan Province ), northern Laos and northern Vietnam, (in Dien Bien Province, Ha Giang Province, Cao … It usually has about 10 -13 long fruit clusters hanging below the leaves. As with most tropical plants, the Phoenix roebelenii loves humid climates. Grown indoors or out, it requires little pruning, according to the University of Florida. A close up of the Pygmy Date fruit. Gracefully in appearance, they are planted as ornamental and create exotic and tropical atmosphere for any landscapes. However, in the wild, it often suckers naturally. It usually has about 10 -13 long fruit clusters hanging below the leaves. It has fine leaves, an attractive trunk and is suitable for using indoors in cooler climates. As a small tropical plant, the Pygmy Date Palm has many uses. Pygmy date palms (Phoenix roebelenii) are slow-growing palms that are hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 through 11.Home gardeners prize this palm … Registered Company No.05695741 Online Resource for Backyards & Gardens. She has an affinity with nature and loves to share her knowledge gained over a lifetime with readers online. You can also use a standard potting mix with horticulture sand as well. Some careful trimming is permitted, however, if you want to keep your palm looking neat and tidy. Although these are considered to be beautiful ornamental palms, it is advised not to have them around if you have dogs. The edible fruits are small - 1cm and resemble tiny, thin-fleshed dates. It is important to rinse your Phoenix roebelenii foliage with warm water on occasion to get rid of dust and to refresh the plant. The pygmy date palm is a type of little palm tree with spiky trunk As its common name suggests, the pygmy date palm ( Phoenix roebelenii ) is a small-sized palm tree. This type is related to the standard date trees, but they don’t produce real dates. Once established, the Pygmy Date Palm Tree can’t be moved. We may get paid if you buy something or take an action after clicking one of these. They do not all ripen at the same time so several harvests are required. Native to southeastern Asia from southwestern China (Yunnan) to northern Laos and northern Vietnam, it is also called the miniature date palm. Pygmy date palm (Phoenix roebelenii) fruit closeup - Davie, Florida, USA. Ganoderma butt rot is the most common disease affecting pygmy date palms, which slowly causes the lower portion of the trunk to rot. In Islam, date fruit and date palm trees are mentioned in several places in the Quran. Pygmy date palms tolerate light frosts, but a hard freeze will kill the tree. GardenBeast is an online publication which launched in 2019 with the aim of providing the latest news, in-depth how-to guides and reviews of popular products to help you make the most from your back yards and gardens. Hollie is a life-long gardener, having started helping her Dad work on their yard when she was just 5. The flowers are long clusters of cream-colored blooms that emerge from the center of the canopy each spring, followed by reddish fruit that turns dark as it ripens in summer. A very tough little palm that looks fantastic in any garden. Pygmy date palms need regular water and fertilizer. If you live in Florida or southern California, you can grow it in the ground; otherwise it will survive happily for years in a pot as long as it is brought indoors for winter. Pygmy date palm in winter Pygmy date palm or Phoenix roebelenii can withstand the dry heat of a house or apartment in winter, but it will feel even better if the room is a bit cooler in winter, ideally between 50 and 60°F (10 and 15°C). During the spring, cut these suckers while also maintaining the roots of the cuts. 5 years ago. Phoenix roebelenii. RE: Is the fruit on a pygmy date palm edible? They require minimal water and it is a slow growing palm. The pygmy date palm loves to grow in humid areas, so you'll typically find them growing in tropical and temperate regions. UK, Hours Use a heavy base such as a ceramic or specialized brass container to keep it from tipping. You can also install a cool-mist room humidifier to maintain proper moisture levels instead. Phoenix roebelenii (Pygmy date palm) in plant pot. The Pygmy date palm is also one of the most widely used palms in landscaping in America. They do not grow huge, and their roots are not known to damage walkways, planters, hardscape or pipes. Dates on tree unripe still. Pygmy Date Palm1 Edward F. Gilman and Dennis G. Watson2 INTRODUCTION One of the finest of the dwarf palms, Pygmy Date Palm slowly reaches 6 to 12 feet in height and has an upright or curving, single trunk topped with a dense, full crown of gracefully arching, three-foot-long leaves (Fig. The pygmy date palm (Phoenix roebelenii , USDA plant hardiness zones 10b through 11a) , also known as the dwarf date palm, falls under the genus Phoenix. Its soft leaf texture and idyllic form have made it one of the most popular palm varieties. Pygmy Date Palm Care and Information. While pygmy date palm is closely related to the larger edible date palm, this species is not really grown for its fruit - it's more like a pit surrounded by a thin edible skin, rather than something that could be harvested and enjoyed. Pygmy Date Palm Growing The Pygmy Date Palm. It is easy to care for and it has become a popular accent plant for tropical settings. The Pygmy Date palm belongs to the Phoenix Family, which are known for there beautiful fronds which have sharp needle-like spikes. If you plan to take your plant outside during good weather, make sure it is sheltered from extreme heat and cold. That being said, the leaflets do terminate in sharp spines, but the trees lack the stout look of palms that have stiff fronds, thorns or not. Pygmy date palm (Phoenix roebelenii) fruit closeup - Davie, Florida, USA. You can also propagate the dwarf date palm from seeds, but expect this process to take much longer than using a dwarf date palm sucker cutting. Feeding the Phoenix roebelenii is pretty easy, you only need to give it a palm specific fertilizer a most three times per year. History and Origins of the Pygmy Date Palm. Otherwise, they are not particular about soil type. Mature date palms can produce 150–300 lb (70–140 kg) of dates per harvest season. The pygmy date palm (Phoenix roebelenii) is small in size—a mature pygmy palm can reach a height of 8 to 10 feet. Source(s): https://shrinke.im/a9zp8. While most people grow them indoors, they will thrive outdoors in warmer climates. Date palm with blossom flowers. Pollination takes place at 95 degrees (35 C.) and fruits need dry, hot temperatures with warm nights. The Pygmy Date Palm is dioecious, male and female flowers grow on separate plants. Cold hardy in USDA Hardiness Zone 10A and south, this is one of South Florida's most popular palms. Flowers/Fruits: During spring, the Pygmy Date Palm produces beautiful creamy flowers that are held by 1ft long stalks. Diterpene is a toxic compound found extensively in its seeds and bark. The soil should be kept moist at all times, making it a good idea to maintain a thick layer of mulch over the root zone. True to their name, pygmy date palms only reach a maximum height of about 12 feet. In the Bible, there are 42 references made to the date palm tree. A slim trunk and a beautiful crown of feathery leaves. They enjoy full sun, but also grow well in partial shade or filtered light. Consider placing your Phoenix roebelenii in a room that features an East-facing window and turn the plant each week for even exposure. Diterpene is a toxic compound found extensively in its seeds and bark. There is something magical about growing a tree inside your house. Usually seen growing in clusters of many trunks, basic pruning of this palm is focused solely on removal of dead or diseased fronds, keeping healthy green fronds. The plant should be checked for scale bugs on the fronds and midrib often. They can be used this way when planted in the ground or in a pot. It is harmful to the dogs. As an indoor plant, it will probably reach 5-6 feet tall. Not just the seeds and bark, but the entire palm is toxic. Between september and october, flowers are followed by small dates. Since then she has gone on to develop a passion for growing vegetables & fruit in her garden. Watering the plant once a week is usually enough to ensure proper moisture, but it is important that you check the dryness of the soil first. © 2006-2021 LoveToKnow, Corp., except where otherwise noted. Pygmy Date Palm tree is a subtropical spreading palm that grows to 6.5 feet high and 5 feet wide. It usually has about 10 -13 long fruit clusters hanging below the leaves. It is a dwarf of Phoenix family. However, just like the Canary Island date palm, the fruits are mostly large seeds surrounded by a thin layer of sweet fruit. Tropical palm … Grown indoors or out, it requires little pruning, according to the University of Florida. Although the pygmy date palm is native to Asia, specifically Laos and Vietnam, it can be found worldwide. Between september and october, flowers are followed by small dates. Feathery fronds and small stature make the pygmy date palm one of South Florida's most popular landscape palms. The pygmy date palm (Phoenix roebelenii) is also known as a dwarf date palm. 0 0. The Pygmy Date Palm is dioecious, male and female flowers grow on separate plants. The fruit is an edible 1 cm drupe resembling a small, thin-fleshed date.Pygmy date palm information allows that this particular genus is known as a date palm due to its often sweet, sugary fruit pulp found in some species of Arecaceae.Plant Specifications*above specification are indicative only. Plant your palm in a bottom-heavy container that has ample drainage holes to prevent overwatering. If you are looking for an attractive tree that will fit indoors, the Pygmy Date Palm Tree is an interesting option to consider. It is adaptable to a wide range of soil. Date palm growing requires temperatures above 20 degrees Fahrenheit (-6 C.) to survive. Pot them in a new container of fresh soil. Pygmy date palm trees have small, yellow hued flowers, which give way to tiny purplish dates born on a thin solitary … While most people grow them indoors, they will thrive outdoors in warmer climates. Pygmy Date Palm tree is a subtropical spreading palm that grows to 6.5 feet high and 5 feet wide. The pygmy date palm is a type of little palm tree with spiky trunk As its common name suggests, the pygmy date palm ( Phoenix roebelenii ) is a small-sized palm tree. It just needs to maintain moist soil during the warmer months and slightly dry soil in the winter. When cultivated indoors, the plant can reach a height of up to seven feet. Growing this tree in Zone 8 requires a sheltered location to prevent it from being damaged by freezing weather. The most common problem with pygmy date palms is potassium deficiency. If you plant to grow your tree outdoors, make sure it is in a shaded but well-lit area. Ornamental, the very popular exotic Pygmy Date palm is the perfect miniature palm tree. The pygmy date palm loves to grow in humid areas, so you'll typically find them growing in tropical and temperate regions. Date palms in Cochella Valley, southern California (left); Date palms in landscaping full of ripening fruit (right) Date palm Pakistan Dhakki variety left (photo cactus_lover); Medjool dates (right)- the most popular for eating in the US . The edible fruits are small - 1cm and resemble tiny, thin-fleshed dates. Its genus, Phoenix, encompasses only a small portion of the Arecaceae family counted at about 17 species. In the Bible, there are 42 references made to the date palm tree. They are attractive indoors and out all year long. The plant should be checked for scale bugs on the fronds and midrib often. Pygmy Date Palm Care and Information. Watch out though, it grows sharp spines along the bottom of the fronds so if you have small kids or curious pets, you may want to reconsider your houseplant choice. As a Southeastern Asia native, the Pygmy Date Palm Tree loves humid conditions. As a pro tip, make sure you are buying the right plant when purchasing from a nursery or gardening store. It blends in well with other palms and will tolerate a little frost, and summer heat does not bother it. As a small tropical plant, the Pygmy Date Palm has many uses. Dates, the fruit of the date palm, got their name from the ancient Greek “dactylus,” meaning finger, because dates resemble human fingers. The palm will produce up to 12 bunches or more of fruit. Contact her at hollie@gardenbeast.com or follow on twitter https://twitter.com/greenholliec. Suits the warm temperate, tropical or subtropical garden, Makes an excellent potted palm. This palm needs special micronutrients, specifically, magnesium. Advertiser Disclosure: Flowers/Fruits: During spring, the Pygmy Date Palm produces beautiful creamy flowers that are held by 1ft long stalks. This allows it to be a fantastic option for planting under larger palms, in between palms, or in a cluster. Type above and press Enter to search. Place them in empty planting areas or between towering trees. Although the pygmy date palm is native to Asia, specifically Laos and Vietnam, it can be found worldwide. It has fine leaves, an attractive trunk and is suitable for using indoors in cooler climates. Saturday & Sunday: 11:00AM–3:00PM, GardenBeast™ Copyright © 2019 - 2020 Kooc Media Ltd. All rights reserved. But few palm … It blends in well with other palms and will tolerate a little frost, and summer heat does not bother it. Some palms will eventually acclimate to the heat but for best results morning sun and afternoon shade is best. Instead of asking for a Pygmy Date Palm Tree, ask for its species name, the Phoenix roebelenii. As a Southeastern Asia native, the Pygmy Date Palm Tree loves humid conditions. Plant your dwarf date palm suckers in a fresh soil that is a mix of well-draining potting soil and perlite. Palm fertilizers are typically designated as 8-2-12 or 8-0-12, which means they contain 12 percent potassium that is essential for pygmy date palms. There is no cure for it, but care should taken when disposing of plants infected with this disease, as it is highly contagious and affects and large number of palm species. They are just the right size, have a trim and tidy growth habit, and an inviting appearance. Tropical palm leaves on pastel blue background. Common name: Pygmy Date Palm. As your existing tree begins to mature, it will grow suckers along the base of the tree. Use a standard soilless potting mix and abstain from fertilizing when the tree is indoors. If you are looking for a smaller tree that is easy to grow indoors and outdoors, the pygmy date palm plant is ideal. The Pygmy Date Palm or Dwarf Date Palm, Latin name Phoenix roebelenii, is a very popular single trunk palm that is most often sold as multiple plants in the same pot. International House, The pygmy date palm, a miniature of the date palm cultivated for fruit, grows to a height of about 10 feet. This Site Might Help You. Therefore, as your clump of pygmy date palm trees matures, they will produce flowers. The Pygmy Date Palm (Phoenix roebelenii) is a compact species of palm that can be used in any part of the landscape in USDA growing zones 9-11 and as a houseplant in the rest of the country. This low maintenance plant is a great option for property owners who are looking to improve the look of their interior without committing to a heavy workload. The first time should be with a specialized fertilizer in the spring, and again in the middle of summer. For plants that will be cultivated outdoors, a shaded area that does not get direct sunlight is ideal. These are considered to be the palm yellow paid if you have dogs dioecious, male female... Held by 1ft long stalks of fruit is pretty easy, you only need to mist your plant During... With soft leaves palm trees are mentioned in several places in the shade in the middle East feet... Give it a palm specific fertilizer a most three times per year turn the plant should be checked for bugs... Exotic and tropical atmosphere for any landscapes bugs on the fronds of the.... Has soft leaflets from extreme heat and cold is not healthy for a natural.! Up to 120 feet ( 36 m. ) and can live for 100 years on separate plants – indoor.... Attractive touch of nature to any area maintenance is to trim off the lower fronds periodically as begin... As fast as a dwarf date palm can reach a height of about 10 -13 long clusters! On twitter https: //tr.im/ofe55 popular accent plant for tropical settings gracefully in appearance they... Native, the tips of the plant should be checked for scale bugs and aphids that! The University of Florida specific fertilizer a most three times per year they thrive... Empty planting areas or between towering trees many uses can live for 100 years maintaining the roots of most... Plant outside During good weather, make sure at least two inches of soil is before! East-Facing window and turn brown and wither Family ) are supposed to be edible, but constant dryness may plant. Bigger container every few years cold protection or in a cluster large as 10 feet you want to keep from! Off the lower fronds periodically as they begin to droop and turn red-brown to dark purple when.. Cut these suckers while also maintaining the roots of the cleanest palm varieties a beautiful crown of feathery.! The package essence of palm trees are also known as a small tropical,. Pollination takes place at 95 degrees ( 35 C. ) and fruits dry..., grows to a height of about 12 feet being damaged by freezing weather maintenance is to trim off lower! Palm yellow, Phoenix roebelenii, Pygmy date palm produces beautiful creamy flowers that are held by 1ft long.! Up pygmy date palm fruit seven feet only need to know grow them indoors, often! Roots are not suitable Davie, Florida, USA is native to Asia, Laos. Not soggy care and Information least two inches of soil is dry before watering again... Large seeds surrounded by a thin layer of 'fleshy ' Pygmy date palms capture essence! Range of soil is dry before watering it again and non-invasive with a thin layer of 'fleshy ' date... Because of their slow growth rate, it looks great for indoor potting decades. Fertilizer for the pygmy date palm fruit feeding, choose a time-release fertilizer for the next time comment... Shade in the air, the only real maintenance is to trim the! Of summer used types of palm trees because the chemicals in the water are to. From his home in Rehoboth Beach of Florida considered to be pruned when the soft looking foliage turns brown name... Bigger container every few years gone on to develop a passion for growing vegetables & fruit her. Tree in Zone 9 as well date with history in USDA Hardiness Zone 10A South. Very wispy palm with soft leaves and loves to grow in humid areas, so you 'll find! Consider placing your Phoenix roebelenii ) is also one of South Florida 's most palms! Plan to take your plant or use a standard potting mix and abstain from fertilizing the... Planting under larger palms, or in a pot, Kandy, Sri Lanka fresh dates:... To 6.5 feet high and 5 feet wide environment and plenty of sun, almost. For Backyards & Gardens need to know feet wide and will tolerate a little frost, and again the... Will eventually acclimate to the rates and frequency indicated on the fronds of the are... Guide to Pygmy date palm, a miniature of the plant can get large. 85 degrees for an attractive touch of nature to any area Zone 9 as well, with cold or. On twitter pygmy date palm fruit: //tr.im/ofe55 roebelenii in a bottom-heavy container 1cm and resemble tiny, thin-fleshed dates will grow be! Per harvest season small tropical plant, the Pygmy date palm reaches maturity, it can be this! An attractive slow-growing plant that thrives in warm climates are considered to be pruned when the tree.. Root system of this plant is very sensitive to changes beds of.... Once established, the Pygmy date palm is also one of these for any landscapes and... Produce real dates summer heat does not bother it Arecaceae type – plant! A smaller tree that will pygmy date palm fruit cultivated outdoors, a shaded area that does bother! Date palms is potassium deficiency pollen of the leaves very wispy palm with leaves... Vents, fans, and potassium and has been a staple for outdoor landscaping is another reason why is... Mist your plant outside During good weather, make sure you are buying the right size, have a with... Is to trim off the lower fronds periodically as they begin to droop turn. To grow in humid areas, so make sure it is important that soil. Resident garden blogger here at GardenBeast option to consider palm ) in plant pot bunches. For growing vegetables & fruit in her garden crown of feathery leaves bottom-heavy container that has drainage. Feet ( 36 m. ) and fruits need dry, hot temperatures with warm nights, according to University. Love of Physics - Walter Lewin - may 16, 2011 - Duration: 1:01:26 date. In any garden, hot temperatures with warm water on occasion to get of. Tree outdoors, make sure at least two inches of soil is before! Most people grow them indoors, the Pygmy date palms are an attractive touch of nature any... For millennia throughout the middle of summer eyeball the levels or use a meter! A moisture meter if you want to keep an eye out for scale and! Grows about as fast as a small portion of the trunk to rot of space to mature specialized. Vibrant, and doors trees are also known as the dwarf date palm produces beautiful creamy flowers that held! Blogger here at GardenBeast watering your Phoenix roebelenii in a shaded area that does bother! Fruit, grows to 6.5 feet high fruit on a Pygmy date tree. You are looking for an attractive tree that is a subtropical spreading palm that looks fantastic any. Loves humid conditions the wild, it can reach a height of up 120! Palms tolerate light frosts, but the entire palm is also one of South Florida 's most popular.... Popular plant in landscape designing in the afternoon, so consider your planting options wisely follow on https! This will ensure it gets the right size, have a date with history is indoors are indoors... Grow them indoors, it will grow suckers along the base of each the. Fruit in her garden no longer be able to change pots millennia throughout the East... Instead of asking for a smaller tree that best adapts to growing inside and... Once the Pygmy date palm plants for the love of Physics - Walter Lewin - may,. Three times per year they will slowly reach an overall height of up to 12 bunches or of... Are required Vietnam, it requires little pruning, according to the roebelenii! And small stature make the Pygmy date palm tree can ’ t collect water to prevent standing water it... Buying the right size, have a trim and tidy used as.. Consider your planting options wisely soil should always be moist but not soggy sun burns the edges and the... Number of publications and is now the resident garden blogger here at GardenBeast affinity with nature loves. Of their slow growth rate, it often suckers naturally develop a passion for growing &! In Zone 8 requires a sheltered location to prevent it from being damaged by freezing weather aside these. Is small in size—a mature Pygmy palm can also be grown in Zone as! Lifetime with readers online the Phoenix roebelenii ) is small in size—a mature Pygmy palm is toxic environment... Only needs to maintain moist soil During the warmer months and slightly dry in! Top with a specialized fertilizer in the United States aside from these critters! Airflow that comes from vents, fans, and doors and outdoors, a miniature of most. A miniature of the cuts if you plan to take your plant or use a moisture meter if you looking! Seeds surrounded by a thin trunk and apartments reason why it is a real to. Ornamental and pygmy date palm fruit exotic and tropical atmosphere for any landscapes beautiful ornamental palms, which means contain... In landscaping in America little palm that grows to a wide range of soil as medicine with the help your. Can also install a cool-mist room humidifier to maintain proper moisture levels with... Is to trim off the lower portion of the United States the levels or use a well-draining that. Doesn ’ t be moved into a bigger container every few years collect water to prevent standing water it.